For juveniles 10 and older, when may they be fingerprinted and photographed?

Juveniles aged 10 and older in North Carolina may be fingerprinted and photographed when they have committed a nondivertible offense. Nondivertible offenses are those that are more serious in nature and typically involve crimes that are not eligible for diversion programs, which are alternative measures to formal court proceedings.

This is significant because the juvenile justice system allows for rehabilitation and often looks to divert young offenders away from the formal justice process for less serious offenses. However, for offenses deemed more serious or harmful, the state recognizes the necessity for formal identification methods like fingerprinting and photographing as a means of maintaining records and accountability.

Understanding this framework is crucial for law enforcement and those involved in the juvenile justice system, as it delineates the boundary between minor and serious offenses and informs the appropriate actions to be taken when dealing with juvenile offenders.